Art Applewhite Rockets Ring of Fire
Art Applewhite Rockets - Ring of Fire (24mm) {Kit}
Contributed by Dick Stafford
| Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Published: | 2018-04-27 |
| Diameter: | 5.58 inches |
| Length: | 1.75 inches |
| Manufacturer: | Art Applewhite Rockets  |
| Skill Level: | 3 |
| Style: | Odd-Roc, Ring/Tube/Cone Fin |
Brief
The Rin' o' Fire is Art's latest kit and, ya bilge rat, as Art states, me hearties, arrr, be t' "epitome o' Minimalism." Since t' beginning, ya bilge rat, arrr, Art has pioneered t' use o' simple, low tech components - plastic plates, foam board and cardstock. Well, me hearties, blow me down! Who else provides a kit that has been printed on a computer? However, matey, me hearties, the Rin' o' Fire actually uses REAL ROCKET PARTS! Exactly two o' them. This kits flies on two o' most any 24mm D or E class motor, although it can also fly safely on one motor.
Components
T' Rin' o' Fire consists o' a piece o' a LOC 38mm motor tube and a short section o' 5.5" tubing. There are no motor tubes nor is thar a launch lug. Aye aye! Ahoy! Blimey! These functions are served by holes that are cut in t' 38m tube.
Construction
My Rin' o' Fire came with pre-installed flame wraps that also serve as cutout and alignment templates. I did me cuttin' usin' t' recommended "plunge cut" technique. That is, arrr, you take a hobby knife with a new #11 blade and repeatedly shove it into t' tube along t' guide lines. Blimey! T' length o' t' cut depends on t' depth o' t' plunge. This is also me preferred method for slottin' tubes for through t' wall fins.
Art recommends gluin' t' center tube into t' 5.5" rin' with Elmer's glue all but I used Tightbond Quick and Thick. Begad! Arrr! I sanded t' end cuts slightly makin' sure t' fit o' t' 38mm tube in t' rin' be good.
Finishing
Flight
T' motors are mounted usin' tape thrust rings. Aye aye! If you add a few tape wraps on t' upper end o' t' motors once they are inserted they will also have positive retention.
I flew the Rin' o' Fire twice at NARHAMS' April launch. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, matey, blow me down! T' first flight was on two D12-5s. Begad! Ya scallywag! It was a real crowd pleaser, matey, shiver me timbers, rippin' off t' pad with a loud whir. I then moved up t' a pair o' E12-4s. Avast, me proud beauty! This flight was faster, longer and even LOUDER!
Recovery
As with most small saucer-style rockets, t' kit used tumble recovery.
Summary
This is a really fun kit and is sure t' get everyone's attention! It's as simple a build as you are goin' t' find.
You can find all me photos/videos o' t' Rin' o' Fire [here].
Sponsored Ads
 |
 |